{
  "abstract": "Background Learning differences such as attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and other communication, learning, intellectual and motor disorders are hidden conditions that often remain undiagnosed and untreated in children from low-resource settings, especially in their milder forms. As a result, many learners do not achieve academically or develop a sense of belonging and industry within mainstream schooling. This jeopardises children’s biopsychosocial development and long-term opportunities for career and social success.Objectives and Methods Therefore, a systematic review synthesising the evidence for the usefulness of art group interventions for children with neurodevelopmental challenges and a pilot study for an 8-week art group intervention, designed by occupational therapists, were conducted to determine whether art group interventions can serve as an effective and feasible intervention method for children with learning differences.Results Findings indicated that art group interventions can be an adaptable and resource-conscious method to effectively improve a variety of developmental domains, including cognitive, behavioural, social, emotional and motor outcomes. These findings correspond with those of the pilot study, which indicated a clinically significant improvement in the overall occupational performance of children (aged 8 – 12 years) with learning differences in a low-resource setting on two outcome measures from pre- to post-intervention.Conclusions Structured art group interventions following the AR 3T principles outlined in the systematic review’s practice framework, such as the Create2Grow Program, should be prioritised for clinician and therapy support staff training in low-resource settings to provide a solution to the lack of access to quality supportive interventions for this population.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa"
      ],
      "name": "Naomi Beth Conolly"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa"
      ],
      "name": "Munira Hoosain"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa"
      ],
      "name": "Gaby Rautenbach"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa"
      ],
      "name": "Nicola Ann Plastow"
    }
  ],
  "title": "18 Art group interventions for children with learning differences: a method to maximise impact",
  "uid": "9cdd4303-dfcc-5d91-9630-3a20bb223596"
}